One person drywall machine

ABSTRACT

This device is a complete drywall installation machine and finishing platform. It consists of a simple mechanism that raises the sheathing from floor level to the top platform of the machine where it is then raised to the rafters and held securely in place for attachment, by stepping on to the elevated platform to be at the perfect working height to apply fasteners. In it&#39;s auxiliary configuration this machine also lifts and places wallboard into position on wall studs for attachment with absolute minimum effort. This machine is portable, mobile, and light weight enough to allow one worker to install drywall up to 12 ft. in lenght to walls and/or ceilings with less effort than is normally exerted by each of 2 or more workers. Once the installation is complete the machine serves as a mobile work platform to do the taping and finishing. The entire process is executed by one worker and requires no addional equipment such as ladders, stilts, or support devices.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

“Not Applicable”

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

“Not Applicable”

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTINGCOMPACT DISK APPENDIX

“Not Applicable”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to hoisting and positioning apparatuses(414/10 Flat wall or ceiling member manipulating means: This subclass isindented under subclass 10. Apparatus wherein the means is designed toreorient or reposition a unit of material having a flat surface andwhich, when secured in place, will form a part or all of the wall orceiling portion of a building.) and more specifically it relates to adrywall panel installation machine, which provides a mechanism to lift adrywall panel and hold it in place against ceiling rafters or wall studsto be attatched thereto by one person, and a working platform for saidperson.

While there are various conventional hoisting and positioning devices,none provide the novel improvements of the invention herein disclosed.That is a machine that fulfills all the needs of the art. ie. many havethe ability to raise the panel to the necessary height, but becomeunstable and subject to tipping in the process. Also, even the ones thatmaintain stability offer no means of getting the worker to the necessaryheight to install the nails or screws to complete the installation,Thereby requiring additional equipment and/or personel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

My invention is a portable, stable, easy to operate machine that includeall the desired features necessary to the installation of drywall and/orother construction sheathing in one device. It combines machinestability, easy loading, lifting and positioning capeabilities with asafe and easily accessable working platform. Thereby requiring only oneworker, and no addional equipment such as stilts, ladders, or proppingor holding devices.

The primary object of this invention is to provide a drywall machinethat allows one worker to accomplish the task that normaly requires twoor more workers, in a cost effective period of time. Thereby overcomingthe shortcomings of the prior art devices.

One of the main objects of this invention was to provide a drywallmachine that is complete in and of itself, requiring no addionalequipment.

Another object was to provide a drywall machine that is safe and easyenough to use that it requires no special skills or training.

An additional object is to provide a drywall machine that is portableand light weight enough that a single worker can move it to the job, setit up, and use it without assistance.

A still further object is to provide a drywall machine that iseconomical in cost to manufacture, thereby making it affordable topurchase and use.

Further objects of the invention will appear as the descriptionproceeds.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this inventionmay be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings,attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings areillustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specificconstruction illustrated and described within the scope of the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

View 1 Projection view of the overall machine.

View 2

FIG. 1_Rear Bottom Frame Section

FIG. 2_Front Bottom Frame Section

FIG. 3_Left Frame Expansion Joint

FIG. 4_Right Frame Expansion Joint

FIG. 5_Left Rear Telescopic Lift Post

FIG. 6_Left Front Telescopic Lift Post

FIG. 7_Right Rear Telescopic Lift Post

FIG. 8_Right Front Telescopic Lift Post

View 3

FIG. 9_Upper Lift Cable Pulley (typ.)

FIG. 10_Lower Lift Cable Pulley (typ.)

FIG. 11_Vertical lift cable (typ.)

FIG. 12_Rear Plywood Working Platform support

FIG. 13_Center Plywood Working Platform, Vertical Lift Winch, andInclined Loader Device Lifting Crank Support

FIG. 14_Front Plywood Working Platform Support

FIG. 15_Vertical Lift Winch

View 4

FIG. 16_Removeable Inclined Loader Device Frame and Guides

FIG. 16A_“Removeable Inclined Loader Device Frame” Slotted Keys

FIG. 17_Plywood Working Platform

FIG. 18_Vertical Lift Winch Crank

View 5

FIG. 19_Horizontal Top

Rack FIG. 20_Loader Channel

FIG. 21_Inclined Loader Device Lifting Strap

FIG. 22_Inclined Loader Device Lifting Strap Lower Pulleys

FIG. 23_Inclined Loader Device Lifting Crank

FIG. 24_Inclined Loader Device Lifting Strap Upper Pulleys

FIG. 25_“Inclined Loader Device Lifting Strap Upper Pulley MountingRings” on “Horizontal Top Rack”

View 6 Details of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4

View 7 Details of Telescopic Lift Post FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG.8 (2 section post and optional 3 section post)

View 8 Optional Hydraulic or Pneumatic Lift Post (2 section post andoptional 3 section post)

FIG. 26_Lifting Medium Transfer Hose (to control valve)

FIG. 27_Lifting Medium (Gas or Liquid)

FIG. 28_Pressure Seal

FIG. 29 _(—)2nd Inner Lift Post Section, Lift Cable attachment point

FIG. 30_Outer Lift Post Section

FIG. 31 _(—)1st. Inner Lift Post Section

FIG. 32 _(—)2nd. Inner Lift Post Section

FIG. 33 _(—)1st. Inner Lift Post Section Guide and Stop

FIG. 34_“Outer Lift Post Section”, “Lift Cable” attachment point

FIG. 35 _(—)2nd Inner Lift Post Section, Lift Cable Pulley

FIG. 36 _(—)2nd Inner Lift Post Section, Lift Cable

View 9

Optional Linear Actuator Lift Post (2 section post and optional 3section post)

FIG. 37_Reversible Drive motor

FIG. 38_Sprocket and Chain assembly

FIG. 39_Bottom Frame Section

FIG. 40_Linear Actuator Support Bearing

FIG. 41 _(—)1st. Inner Lift Post Section Lower Guides

FIG. 42_Fixed “Linear Actuator Threaded Nut”

FIG. 43 _(—)2nd Inner Lift Post Section, Lift Cable attachment point

FIG. 44_Linear Actuator Rod

FIG. 45_“Outer Lift Post Section”

FIG. 46 _(—)1st. Inner Lift Post Section FIG. 47 _(—)2nd. Inner LiftPost Section

FIG. 48 _(—)1st. Inner Lift Post Section Upper Guides and Stop

FIG. 49 _(—)2nd Inner Lift Post Section, Lift Cable

FIG. 50 _(—)2nd Inner Lift Post Section, Lift Cable Pulleys

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The “One Person Drywall Machine” construction consists of a generallyrectangular “Frame Base” of hollow steel tubing approximately 3 ft. by 4ft. Consisting of a “Rear Bottom Frame Section” (See View 2—FIG. 1), a“Front Bottom Frame Section” (See View 2—FIG. 2), a “Left FrameExpansion Joint” (See View 2—FIG. 3), and a “Right Frame ExpansionJoint” (See View 2—FIG. 4), so constructed as to be easily contracted toapproximately 2 ft. by 4 ft. (See View 2—FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, and View6—FIG. 3 and FIG. 4) so as to provide easy access through doorways. Said“Frame Base” is mounted on common casters (not shown) at each corner tofacilitate mobility of machine. Attached to the top of each corner ofthis frame is a “Telescoping Post” extending vertically. These postsconsist of two or more sections of hollow steel tubing, one inside theother, (See View 2—FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8 and View 7 Detailsof post), to allow vertical extension to ceiling height. Verticalextension of these posts is facilitated by a simple winch, cable, andpulley system configured so as when the cable is shortened by windingonto the drum of the winch, the “1st. Inner Lift Post Section” is raisedinside the “Outer Lift Post Section” (In the case of the three or moresection post an additional cable is so configured so as to raise the“2nd Inner Lift Post Section” as the “1st. Inner Lift Post Section” israised (See View 7—Details of post)). Or if optional “Hydraulic orPneumatic Lift Post” is used; vertical extension is facilitated bypumping a “Lifting Medium” (Gas or Liquid) under pressure into thesealed lower end of the “Outer Lift Post Section” of the Lift Post;thereby forceing the “1st. Inner Lift Post Section” upward (In the caseof the three or more section post; cables are so configured so as toraise the “2nd Inner Lift Post Section” as the “1st. Inner Lift PostSection” is raised (See View 8—Optional Hydraulic or Pneumatic LiftPost)). Or if optional “Linear Actuator Lift Post” is used; verticalextension is facilitated by activating a reversible motor that drives asprocket and chain assembly that in turn rotates a threaded rod in afixed nut that is attached to the bottom of the “1st. Inner Lift PostSection” of the post, thereby forcing this section either up or down(depending on the direction of rotation of the drive motor) (In the caseof the three or more section post; cables are so configured so as toraise the “2nd Inner Lift Post Section” as the “1st. Inner Lift PostSection” is raised (See View 9—Optional Linear Actuator Lift Post)).Atop these posts rest a removable “Top Rack” consisting of a generallyrectangular hollow tube frame with two “Inclined Loader Device LiftingStrap Pulley” brackets mounted on the bottom side of the front longtube, laying in a flat horizontal position upon which will be placed thedrywall sheathing when the machine is loaded. (See View 5—FIG. 19)Within the confines of these “Telescoping Posts” and locatedapproximately 16 in. up from the base of said “Telescoping Posts” is ahorizontal tube attached at each end to each of the rear “TelescopingPosts”, and a like tube attached likewise to the front “TelescopingPosts”. (See View 3—FIG. 12 and FIG. 14) These tubes provide stabilityfor the vertical “Telescoping Posts” and support for the “PlywoodWorking Platform”, in addition there is a short vertical supportattached to the outermost portion of each of the “Expansion Joints” ofthe “Frame Base” with a horizontal tube attached at each end to the topof each of these vertical supports. This tube is at the same height asthe afore mentioned horizontal tubes and provides stability to the“Frame Base”, support for the center of the “Plywood Working Platform”,and a mounting place for the “Vertical Lift Winch”, and the “InclinedLoader Device Lifting Crank”. (See View 3—FIG. 13 and FIG. 15 and View4—FIG. 17). Attached to the front vertical “Telescoping Post” is aremovable “Inclined Loading Device Frame”, consisting of a horizontalhollow tube mounted level with and parallel to the “Front Bottom FrameSection” member. Mounted at each end of this tube is a short length ofhollow tube extending from this tube to the “Front Bottom FrameSection”. Attached to the outside of these tubes is a mounting plateequiped with “Slotted Keyways” for temporary attachment to machine.Attached to the top outermost corners (left and right) of thishorizontal tube is angle iron guides extending up and in to the top ofthe afore mentioned “Front Telescopic Lift Post”. (See View 4—FIG. 16)Attached to the outside top of each of these angle iron guides is amounting plate equiped with “Slotted Keyways” for temporary attachmentto machine. Attached to the inside top of each of these angle ironguides is a bracket supporting a removable pulley for the “InclinedLoading Device Lift Strap”. Attached to the “Center Plywood WorkingPlatform, Vertical Lift Winch, and Inclined Loader Device Lifting CrankSupport”, and extending from the right side of machine to the left sideof machine is the “Inclined Loader Device Lifting Crank”. (See View5—FIG. 23) Attached to this bar at approximately 1 ft. from each end isa nylon strap (See View 5—FIG. 21) extending horizontaly through the“Inclined Loader Device Lifting Strap Lower Pulleys” (See View 5—FIG.22) then generally upward and over the “Inclined Loader Device LiftingStrap Upper Pulleys”, (See View 5—FIG. 24) then generally downward to ametal “Loader Channel” located parallel to, but not attached to theafore mentioned front horizontal hollow tube of the “Removeable InclinedLoader Device Frame and Guides” (See View 5—FIG. 20) so as to allow thischannel to slide up the inclined angle iron guides when the strap iswound around the “Inclined Loader Device Lifting Crank”. Attachment ofindividual parts of this machine (except for movable and/or removableparts) is common welding, and in the case of movable and/or removableparts attachment is bolting and/or slot and key. (See View 4—FIG. 16A)Use of this machine is as follows. (Normal preparation of sheathing isexpected. i.e. cutouts, trimming, etc.)

Begin with drywall sheathing in a vertical position with one long sideon floor. Machine is rolled up to sheathing and “Loading Device Channel”is lowered to floor. Sheathing is then lifted by hand into the “LoadingDevice Channel” (finish side toward machine) and leaned against“Inclined Loading Device Guides”. Sheathing is then lifted by rotatingthe “Inclined Loader Device Lifting Crank” until sheathing extendsslightly over one half the width of the sheathing above the top of themachine. Sheathing is then rotated from a near vertical position to ahorizontal position atop the “Top Rack”, “Inclined Loader Device LiftingCrank” is then rotated again to slide sheathing completely onto the “TopRack”. “Loading Device Channel” is then removed from edge of sheathingand machine is rolled into position under placement area of ceiling.“Vertical Lift Winch Crank” is then rotated (or Hydraulic or Pneumaticvalve is operated, or Linear Actuator is activated) thereby liftingsheathing vertically until it rests against ceiling rafters. Worker thensteps onto “Plywood Working Platform” and installs fasteners (nails orscrews) to complete the installation.

To use machine to install wall sheathing, (Normal preparation ofsheathing is expected.)

First “Vertical Lift Winch Crank” is rotated (or Hydraulic or Pneumaticvalve is operated or Linear Actuator is activated) to raise “Top Rack”to within 2 ft. of ceiling, “Inclined Loader Device Lifting Strap UpperPulleys” are removed from their position on “Inclined Loading DeviceFrame” and snapped into the mounting rings on bottom of “Top Rack”.“Inclined Loading Device Frame” is then removed from machine; Machine isnow ready to install wall sheathing.

Begin with sheathing in a vertical position with one long side on floor.Machine is rolled up to sheathing and “Loading Device Channel” islowered to floor. Sheathing is then lifted by hand into the “LoadingDevice Channel” (finish side toward machine) and leaned against machine.Sheathing is then lifted by rotating the “Inclined Loader Device LiftingCrank” until sheathing clears floor a few inches. While holdingsheathing against machine, machine is rolled into position approximately6 in. from wall where sheathing is to be placed. Sheathing is now leanedoutward against wall studs, and “Inclined Loader Device Lifting Crank”is rotated to slide sheathing up wall studs into position againstceiling. (At this point machine may be pushed against wall if desired)Worker then steps onto “Plywood Working Platform” and installs fasteners(nails or screws) to complete the installation. (Final positionadjustment may be accomplished by pulling on one “Inclined Loader DeviceLifting Strap” to raise one end of sheathing or rotating “Vertical LiftWinch Crank” to raise both ends of sheathing, and/or swinging “LoadingDevice Channel” left or right.)

1. A complete drywall installation machine and finishing platform,Consisting of a generally rectangular expandable/contractable framebase, mounted on casters located at each corner, so as to be mobile.This base shall have mounted on the top side at each of four corners, avertical telescoping post with a lifting mechanism to extend said postvertically upward. On top of these four post rest a generallyrectangular shaped rack in a flat horizontal position. Within theconfines of these post and elevated approximently eighteen inches fromfloor level is a working platform. Attached to one long side of thismachine in temporary fashion is a loading device that consist of a baselaying parallel to and approximately 12 inches from the frame base withangle iron guides attached to the outermost top corners and extendinginward and upward to the top of the two telescoping post on that side ofsaid frame base. This loading device also has a medal channel 1 inchwide by 2 inches deep that may be moved up and down said angle ironguides by means of a strap and crank system. Whereas constructionsheathing may be placed in this medal channel and hoisted to therectangular shaped rack on top of the machine; where it is then liftedverticaly by means of the telescoping post lifting mechanism to ceilingheight for installation; by stepping on to the finishing platform andnailing or screwing the sheathing to the rafters.
 2. I further claim asmy invention the afore mentioned machine in it's entirity (Notwithstanding any previously invented device or apparatus that may be anintegral part of my machine, such as threaded devices, fasteners,cables, pulleys, cranks, or winches, etc.) and not limited to any numberof decribed parts. ie. Vertical post may have two or more sections,machine may have one or more manual and/or electric winches and/or maybe operated hydrauliclly or pneumaticly and/or any combination thereof.